Nikon Coolpix AW110

This is the third in a series of short underwater/rugged camera reviews on DPReview. We're testing the cameras concurrently, and once all six cameras have been reviewed, we'll publish a roundup of the class, comparing them directly.

Nikon is a relatively new entrant into the world of underwater/rugged cameras much like its arch rival, Canon. Its original model, the AW100, was announced in Fall of 2011, and then replaced in January 2013 by the Coolpix AW110.

The Coolpix AW110 is quite similar to its predecessor, retaining its design, sensor, and lens. So what's new? The AW110 is more rugged, sports a sharper OLED display, and supports Wi-Fi for easy photo sharing.

Specification Highlights

16.0 effective megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor

F3.9-F4.8, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens (5X)

Optical image stabilization

3-inch OLED display with 614,000 dots

Built-in GPS with compass, manometer, landmarks, maps, and tracking

Waterproof to 18m, shockproof from 2m, freezeproof to -10C

'Action Control' allows for camera control while wearing gloves

Wi-Fi allows for image sharing and remote control with smartphones/tablets

'Quick Effects' lets you choose from a selection of special effects immediately after a photo is taken

1080/30p movie mode with stereo sound

As mentioned above, the Coolpix AW110 uses the same 16 megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor as the AW100. BSI sensors, as they are known, promise higher sensitivity than traditional CCD and CMOS designs, by allowing more light to hit the photosites. Unfortunately, the AW110's lens doesn't help with high sensitivity / low light shooting, as it has a maximum aperture of F3.9-4.8, which means that it's not letting in as much light as a camera with a 'faster' lens.

The AW110 features an F3.9-4.8, 28-140mm zoom lens. It bears a strong resemblance to the lens on the Canon PowerShot D20, and it wouldn't surprise us if they're the same unit.

To its left you'll find the AF-assist lamp, which can also be used to brighten the scene when recording movies.

The Coolpix AW110 has features that go above and beyond its ability to go underwater and take some knocks. Read on to find out more about them.

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Well, in conclusion I don't see why the camera got 73% vs TG-2 getting 72%. In a camera where low-light performance in a HUGE deficit a lens being 2 stops faster is HUGE. That trumps marginally useful battery draining WiFi (which can be replaced by an EyeFi card for those who need it for some reason) hands down, not even close.

I agree. The TG-2 and WG-3 are the new standard. The AW110 might be competent within its "comfort envelope", but the envelope is pitifully small.A cloud, or dense foliage, or a deep canyon - and the AW110 is out of its element, while the TG-2 and WG-3 keep going well into twilight.

But the review rating is more like a sum of weighted features. Don't expect it to make decisions for you.

Besides, different people have different priorities.

For example, if you're only ever planning to take pictures in broad daylight, and only while standing in the shade, then this camera could work just as well as its faster-lens, decent-LCD competitors...

Pay attention to the negatives - they are ALL valid. I have the 100 which I bought solely for GPS marking, and it frequently won't get a satellite lock. The smeared jpg files these AW cameras generate mean I do all my non-DSLR shooting with my iPad. Much better results.